What's new in Windows 8?

We take a look at what Microsoft have in store for us with its much anticipated new operating system, Windows 8

For more than 20 years, Microsoft has defined the computing landscape for more than a billion customers around the world. This was the bold claim of Microsoft’s corporate vice-president, Mike Angiulo, speaking at the Computex tradeshow in Taipei this June.

Along with Ballmer, Angiulo has been showing off the latest builds of Windows 8, Microsoft’s next desktop OS. It’s not that long since Windows 7 went onsale, but Windows 8 is set to debut in mid-2012 as a radically different-looking proposition. In fact, it will be perhaps the most radical overhaul since the fabled Windows 95 launch that catapulted Windows into the desktop OS stratosphere.

With all those customers at stake, Microsoft has its work cut out to please more than it irks with its new approach to desktop computing and in persuading us to upgrade from our existing Windows versions.

Windows 7 is now just over 18 months old, yet Windows 8 first broke cover in July 2010. Cynics might suggest that the fact that the first images of Windows 8 appeared mere months after the official launch of Windows 7 indicates there’s likely to be very little new behind the scenes. Some things will remain the same – specifically, the ability to run programs you already own. But in many ways, Windows 8 offers a radical departure from existing versions of Microsoft’s platform.

Few people want Windows to have more features. What it needs is more focus – and to be easier to get around. Windows 8 looks set to offer both these things – provided that you favour touchscreen navigation.

Microsoft is introducing a tiled interface that looks like a direct import from its successful Windows Phone 7 mobile OS. These tiles offer a clear indication that Microsoft is shifting from traditional keyboard and mouse input to fingers and touchscreens.

Microsoft’s use of JavaScript and HTML5 technologies means there will be plenty of tailored apps for the Windows 8 platform.

A Microsoft blog post published at the start of June to coincide with Ballmer’s keynote unveiling of the in-progress OS stated: “Windows 8 is a reimagining of Windows, from the chip to the interface. A Windows 8 PC is a new kind of device, one that scales from touch-only small screens through to large screens, with or without a keyboard and mouse.”

Why it’s all about touch

The news that Windows 8 will be primarily a touch-based interface isn’t a surprise. Most commentators had predicted that it would be far more focused on tablets and mobile use than on the traditional office desktop PC. Given the shift in computer-purchasing patterns over the past five years, this makes sense. However, while laptop sales have outstripped desktop sales since 2009, there’s little evidence that people are eschewing their main PCs in favour of touchscreen tablets. Microsoft needs to ensure it’s covering all bases.

Touchscreen controls will not be the only option for input. With legacy programs to support, a new programming layer will sit between them and the interface and improve the way the two work together. Conversely, says Windows 8’s chief designer, Julie Larson-Green, while Microsoft’s focus on touch means most programs will now be written for finger-friendly control, this programming layer will ensure that they will also work well with a keyboard and mouse.

This isn’t prevarication on Microsoft’s part: a touchscreen interface won’t suit every user. Accessibility issues for those with physical and visual impairments mean Microsoft won’t be abandoning traditional input modes. At this stage, though, we don’t have details about the interface customisation options that may be offered. Our guess is that Windows 8 will also offer a ‘classic’ version of the interface, allowing anyone with a specific setup requirement – or simply using software that requires a particular screen mode – to continue to access it.

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Comments

David Jackson said: How about a version that sorts out useless Windows messages that mean absolutely nothing to most peopleeg The web page you are viewing is trying to close the window do you want to close this window Y or N Clicking yes or clicking no does the same thing and you still dont get the websiteor Windows is checking for a solution to the problemWhats the point it never finds a solution so why waste my timeJust two of many

Jase Wolf said: yeh they have a classic environment for the previous windows stuff but when you click the start button so far it looks like it will go back to the new windows 8 UI start screenOne thing that would be good though is to be able to split the start screen up into categories So like have the main screen like how it will be with all the reference apps such as mail internet chat weather etc then click on a sub menu and choose games work or something and it will show all your games and stuff related to that category and if something is not recognised you do it manuallywhat I mean by submenu have the category title next to the Start word and click on it for the sub menu for all your other categories This start screen is a giant step forward from the famous start menu but if it does not include this or a search then it would be a lot longer process but if they did then it would be so much easier and quicker to find your stuff